Kalkaringi airstrip death inquiry begins

Updated
Wed 16 Apr 2008, 4:03 PM AEST

The head of an Aboriginal health board has told a coronial inquiry in Katherine that his organisation "could have done better" in preventing the death of a man.

Sean Heffernen is from the Katherine West Health Board that runs clinics in Aboriginal communities. Today, he gave evidence at the inquest into the death of a 78-year-old man who was left stranded at the Kalkaringi airstrip after recieving medical care in Katherine.

Mr Heffernan told the inquest that his organisation had a duty of care and could have done better.

He also said it would improve the system if a community's clinic could authorise an escort for a patient rather than a district medical officer based in Darwin or Perth.

The inquiry also heard of plans by the Northern Territory Health Department to sign new contracts with charter plane companies that would make sure patients aren't left stranded at remote airstrips.